Mary's Experience
I was born in Rochester, New York, and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, with my family in 1957. While I was a student at the University of Florida, I met my husband, Pete. At the end of my junior year in 1970, we got married and moved to Palm Beach County. I finished up my bachelor's degree in English literature and got my master's degree in business administration from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
While I was finishing my bachelor's degree I became co-leader of my church's Girl Scout troop and served for two years. Later, I volunteered for the United Way, Sunfest, and other community non-profit organizations. I helped organize my neighborhood association, and was appointed to several city and county advisory boards.
After many years of community volunteer work, I ran for election to the West Palm Beach City Commission, and served from 1999 to 2002. I was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2002, and won re-election in 2004.
Working as a citizen-legislator in Tallahassee has been rewarding. For many years before my first election to public office, I had organized community projects and spent countless evenings knocking on doors to bring people together and make things happen. When I got to Tallahassee I found my experience in the community and local government effective in moving my bills through the 160-member legislature. As you can see from my recent activities listed below, I still am much involved, especially with non-profit educational organizations.
My home phone number always has been in the phone book. Call me if you ever need anything.
Biographical Information
- City of Residence: West Palm Beach
- Occupation: Legislator
- Spouse: Peter Brandenburg, P.E. (electrical engineer)
- Education: University of Florida, A.A., 1969; Florida Atlantic University, B.A., 1972, M.B.A., 1980
- Born: May 12, 1949
- Moved to Florida: 1957
- Recreational Interest: family activities, Florida history, quilting, weaving
Highlights
- American Heart Association: Leadership Award 2004
- Democratic Women's Club of Broward County: Legislator of the Year, 2006
- The Florida League of Cities: Legislation Appreciation Award, 2005
- National Organization for Women: Florida's Fearless Few Recognition Award, 2006
- Palm Beach County League of Cities: State Legislator of the Year, 2003
- Planned Parenthood of Palm Beach County: Carolyn H. Huckshorn Advocacy Award, 2004
- The School Board of Palm Beach County: Certificate of Appreciation, 2005
- West Palm Beach Fire Rescue Department: Firestorm Appreciation Award, 2004, 2005
Legislative Service
- Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2002, re-elected in 2004.
Other Public Service
- School District of Palm Beach County, Charter School District Advisory Committee: 2002-present
- West Palm Beach Security Task Force: 1999-present
- City of West Palm Beach, City Commissioner District 3: 1999-2002
- City of West Palm Beach, Code of Conduct/Ethics Task Force: 2006-present
- Metropolitan Planning Organization of Palm Beach County: 1999-2002
- Palm Beach County Intergovernmental Coordination Program: Executive Committee: 1999-2002
- Palm Beach County League of Cities: Director 1999-2002, Education Committee Chair 2000-2002
- Palm Beach County Regional Hazardous Materials Oversight Committee: 2001-2002, Vice Chair 2002
- Palm Beach County Work Group on Improving Judgment about Health Care Spending: 2001-2002
- West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Board: 1991-1997, Chair 1994-1996
Recent Affiliations
- Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches: Government Affairs Committee, Leadership West Palm Beach Coordinating Committee
- Executive Women of the Palm Beaches
- Forum Club of the Palm Beaches
- Friends of the Forest Hill High School Environmental Academy: Board of Directors, 1997-present
- Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Historical Society of Palm Beach County
- Leadership Florida: Class XX
- Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce
- South Florida Science Museum: Board of Directors, 2004-present
- Palm Beach Civic Association: 1997-present
- St. Mary's Medical Center: Governing Board, 2002-present
- The ARC of Palm Beach County: Board of Directors, 2001-present
- Women's Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
- El Cid Historic Neighborhood Association: Board of Directors, 1992-2000, President 1995
Political Organizations
- Boynton Beach Democratic Club
- Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee
- Democratic Club of Greater Boynton Beach
- Democratic Leadership Council
- Democratic Women's Club of Palm Beach County
- Florida Mainstream Democrats
- Lake Worth Democratic Club
- Lake Worth West Democratic Club
- Palm Beach Democratic Club
- Palm Beach Mid-County Democratic Club
- Voters' Coalition of Palm Beach County
- West Palm Beach Democratic Club
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